Relax sick leave rules, prevent flu — TUCP

MANILA, Philippines — As more and more people contract the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) called on employers to relax their sick leave rules to encourage staff members to stay at home if they develop flu symptoms.

Employers should allow workers who are suspected of having the flu virus to take longer leaves or give them more sick leave allowances so they are not pressured to report for work even when they are sick, the TUCP said.

“Our worry is that due to overly strict sick leave rules, and because in the real world many laborers desperately need the day’s pay to cope with the cost of living, some of them may be forced to go to work, even if they know or suspect that they already have flu-like symptoms. This should not be the case,” TUCP secretary general Ernesto Herrera said in a statement.

“Employers should discourage staff who manifest flu-like symptoms from reporting for work, even if this means temporarily raising their sick leave allowances,” he added.

Herrera said workers who come into contact with somebody suspected or confirmed to have Influenza A(H1N1) should be asked to stay home for 10 days and watch for symptoms. Employees who traveled abroad are likewise advised to quarantine themselves at home for 10 days.

The TUCP also advised employers to ensure that their work environments adhere to health and sanitation regulations. They should also provide personnel information on preventive measures at home and at work, and constant updates on advisories from health authorities.

Since the first case of influenza A(H1N1) in the Philippines was reported early this month, 344 people have been confirmed afflicted with the virus, according to the health department. –Kristine L. Alave, Philippine Daily Inquirer